Hebrews 8:6-7

8:6 But ¹  now Jesus ²  has obtained a superior ministry, since ³  the covenant that he mediates is also better and is enacted ⁴  on better promises. ⁵ 

8:7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, no one would have looked for a second one. ⁶ 

¹ sn The Greek text indicates a contrast between vv. 4-5 and v. 6 that is difficult to render in English: Jesus’ status in the old order of priests (vv. 4-5) versus his superior ministry (v. 6).

² tn Grk “he”; in the translation the referent (Jesus) has been specified for clarity.

³ tn Grk “to the degree that.”

⁴ tn Grk “which is enacted.”

⁵ sn This linkage of the change in priesthood with a change in the law or the covenant goes back to Heb 7:12, 22 and is picked up again in Heb 9:6-15 and 10:1-18.

⁶ tn Grk “no occasion for a second one would have been sought.”